Augmented Reality and the Future: What You Need to Know

By Glance Creative

It’s apparent to anyone with even a minor interest in technology that new innovations are constantly emerging. While some may be mere fads, others could represent major technological shifts which will impact the world in major ways.

Virtual reality may very well be one of these technologies. However, for people to embrace a new innovation, it’s often important to begin with small steps.

Augmented reality could be a stepping stone that leads to wider use of VR tech in the future. It’s already made a significant impression on the average consumer thanks to the success of apps like Pokemon Go! and Snapchat.

 As more AR-based products become available, consumers will become even more familiar with their potential applications for virtual experiences, leading to greater overall interest in VR.

Understanding AR

AR is essentially VR-light. While VR immerses users in completely virtual worlds, AR superimposes virtual elements onto the real world displayed on a screen. The virtual creatures users try to capture in Pokemon Go! obviously don’t exist in reality, but users can still interact with them via smartphones.

This allows for a more dynamic and immersive gaming experience. For instance, Zombies, Run! gamifies fitness by sending virtual zombies in pursuit of users. They need to run from the zombies as long as possible to “stay alive,” giving people who might otherwise dislike running a reason to exercise. With the work being done by iOS and Android app design agencies, games like these are becoming more prominent as technology progresses.

AR games have also been shown to help users develop their social skills. Anecdotal evidence from users suggests that Pokemon Go! has already helped people with autism spend more time outside with their peers.

These are certainly uplifting stories which demonstrate why AR tech is more than just a novelty. However, gaming is by no means the only industry AR is capable of transforming. Organizations across a wide range of industries have identified potential applications for this tool.

Banks have released AR apps that use virtual elements to guide users to the nearest ATM or branch. Surgeons used AR to “see through” patients’ skin during procedures, boosting accuracy as a result. At manufacturing plants, AR instructions can help employees assemble complex items more safely and efficiently.

As the AR-friendly devices projecting these experiences become more lightweight and available, more professionals will begin to use the technology. This will help people take steps towards embracing VR tech in the long run. That said, as the few examples here demonstrate, AR on its own already has the potential to transform daily life for many people in numerous ways.

"Glance Creative is an app development agency that focuses on psychology to create digital products that make people emotionally drawn to products and brands"